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Ajes Salon
Category: Beauty and Spas Hair Salons Hair Salons [Edit]
648 W Randolph St(at Desplaines St)
Chicago, IL 60661
Neighborhood: Near West Side
(312) 454-1133
- Nearest Transit:
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Clinton-green (Green Line, Pink Line)
Grand-blue (Blue Line)
- Hours:
Wed-Fri 9 am - 6:30 pm
Sat 6:30 am - 3:30 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- No
- By Appointment Only:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Come to Robert Jeffrey and see one of our experts for your next haircut, color and keratin services!
18 reviews for Ajes Salon
18 reviews in English
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Review from Cynthia S.
Chicago, IL
3/10/2012
5 stars for cut, 5 stars for style, 1 star for time.
After 14 years of having my hair natural, I decided on a different look. AJES is fabulous but they are not quick. So, when my schedule is tight, it is very difficult for me to be there three (3) or four (4) hours at a time. In fact, it is getting increasingly difficult to do.
The reviewers Trena H. and Jillian K. are dead on in their assessments of AJES salon (except for the end trimming. My cuts have been nothing but fabulous) . However, you have to decide how valuable your time is.
Every has to decide if the money you are spending is worth the services provided based on what is important to you. My time is important to me. So if I can find someone who provides the same quality of service in a shorter time frame, then it is likely I will go to the place that saves me time.
In terms of parking, there is a parking lot on the northwest corner of Washington and DesPlaines, which is one block away from the salon. The night rate (after 2pm) is $6, Then, you would not have to worry about meters.
Finally, the choice is always yours. AJES Salon really is a fabulous place with fabulous, fun, talented, and good looking people. -
Review from Carrah R.
Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI
5/18/2012
The previous person who gave high marks for style and look was right on. For time, RIGHT ON!! Took waaaaaaaay too long! If i'm gonna be charged up the boody I shouldn't have to spend my whole evening at the salon!
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Review from Trena H.
Chicago, IL
10/20/2011
Pros:
Hip bi-gender salon, moderate parking, friendly and fun, on-line appt calendar, variety of services, great music, talented artists, very professional.
Cons:
Must ask to trim ends, too many people working on one person, my personal experience of hair mistakes, sit and wait for services, tickets at parking meters if you don't pay attention, "extras" that you don't need, prices aren't clear.
Suggestions: Book someone other than AJ FIRST to see how you like salon and get a feel on who is doing what. You will pay extra for the owner. He is really good, but be ready to pay, make sure you are clear on on what you want and need, ask for prices up front and DONT assume, be prepared to wait. If you don't tip well...they know it. Your hair will look amazing, but pay ATTENTION.
My experience was fantastic at first and then kinda went downhill from there (sorry guys). I think AJ, and the other stylist are fantastic people with a great business, but I miss that personal "they know you" feeling from smaller salons that I am used to. I dont want to say anything I would not say in person. But, my wedding day hair was not as I imagined. Let's just say, I left my veil on the entire day....but my make-up was AH-MAZING !!!!! Thanks. -
Review from Jillian K.
San Francisco, CA
7/16/2011
For all of those who read my review of Streets of London Salon, this is the African American salon that my stylist was talking about...
Ajes is filled with stylists who are concerned about the utmost care of your 'do and the overall health of your hair. They make sure that you are making smart choices when it comes to maintaining your style at home away from the salon.
This place not only caters to women patrons, but believe it of not, they have two very very good barbers in the shop as well. For all those dudes, who want a good fade or shape-up, you better get in here pronto.
Ladies, you can also get your eyebrows waxed and your nails done as well (mani/pedi)!
Tracy is my favorite stylist, she has been doing my hair for over a year now, and her relaxing skills and blowout skills outweigh by far any that I have experienced before. My hair ends up being light, fluffy and has a TON of volume. It also keeps (when wrapped properly at home) for about 2 weeks. She is amazing. I have recently decided to go natural, and she is helping me transition...
Aje, the owner, is the friendliest guy. He remembers me every time I come. He is very very serious about his salon, and more importantly, he is very very serious about hair! He is always buzzing around to make sure everyone is being taken care of. It's great to see the owner working in their own salon and making sure things get done the right way.
This gets my vote for best African American salon. Look no further. -
Review from Vida N.
Suffern, NY
11/17/2011
When in Chicago, and you want to get your hair looking beautiful, I strongly suggest Aje's Salon. The decor is inviting and the staff is classy. They make you feel comfortable and right at home. Salute to Aj and his staff!
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Review from Neen W.
Chicago, IL
4/30/2008
i went to Ajes because i heard they do african american hair who is in the natural state. For 2 years i was growing my perm out, my hair texture is soft and curly cues... , I was so frustrated with my last beautician. because after 2 years she completely damaged the whole frontal region of my hair where the back was to my neck and the front was barely touching my eyebrowns. When i went there i met a wonderful woman named holly. I wanted the works cut, color and style. she did a wonderful job on my hair but my color didn't quite take the way i wanted it too. She mentioned that she would recolor my hair for FREE on my next visit.
Well a week and a half later, when i called to let Holly know i was going to be 10 minutes later. I found out that she had QUIT! So i told the secretary what happened and immediately A.J. came on the phone and said that he would do my color for free without any hesitation. I was thrilled. I saw him do other clients hair and their hair defintely fixed their face. I also noticed how the shop dosen't do overbooking like some shops i know.
I like the organization and feel for this shop. I would defintely recommend Ajes for anyone considering getting their hair done.
UPDATE:
ok i went there and let AJ do my hair he did a phenomonal job.... just let him work his magic on your hair and you willcome out looking fabulous
2nd UPDATE: my hair has seen tremendous growth. I've been going to ajes for about 2 months now i go about 3x a month. I saw my old beautician recently she saw my hair and said it looked extremely healthy.
3rd update: i love AJ but he over books.. My hair does come out looking fabulous but it's not worth the time spent inside the salon of 4hrs plus. -
Review from Morgan E.
Chicago, IL
10/7/2011
I think it is important to mention that I came in with extremely damaged hair and I dont love my hair right now, but its because it was damaged and really all that could be done with it was done.
1. If you are looking for somewhere to do natural hair and not question why you dont have a perm or if you would consider getting one, this is the place to go.
2. Make sure you have hours to wait. I was there for 4.5 hours, which is a really long time in my experience.
3. If you've ever gone to Too Groovy Salon and Spa (either location) in Atlanta and you want something close to it, this is the place to go as well. Too groovy is way more timely but, when you have natural hair and you dont really want anyone to ruin it, is time really that valuable?? Bring good reading material or headphones.
4. AJ is a really good stylist. He straightens very well. Since I moved here I have constantly complained that no one straightens better than I do here, but this place has proved me wrong.
5. From what I witnessed today, AJ is not the only good stylist, everyone I witnessed getting their hair done looked pretty fabulous leaving
6. Fridays or Saturdays are probably not the best day to come. -
Review from Pamela M.
Broadview, IL
8/6/2008 1 photo
I have been going to see Ajes for a long time (years), and have always had a quality experience. I started going to Ajes after having my Afri-Amer natural hair growing for awhile, and needed something to manage it better. Friends recommended Ajes and getting a texturizer (think a very lite perm). First, I arranged a consultation (free), and AJ himself talked to me, asking what I wanted. He was attentive and spoke descriptively about my options, and what would work for my hair. I was confident afterwords to make an appointment, and I was not disappointed.
Ajes is all about the health of the hair along with being stylish. The salon is a industrial-chic designed space, comfortable, the staff has always been friendly and professional. Every time I go in, it seem that every customer is walking out with a great hairstyle--it's not uncommon for the customers to comment to each other, "your hair looks great." Because of his flexible hours, I never have a problem getting an appointment to see him in short notice: I just made an appointment for me and a friend today for this Friday, no problem.
I give four stars instead of five for two reasons:
1) Sometimes the stylists is running behind on time, and you can be there much longer than expected.
2) Parking in the area is tight, and with 2 hour only meters you may worry more about your car being towed vs enjoying your appointment.
BUT I have yet to go to a Afri-Amer salon where I didn't have to wait longer than scheduled, and in that context, Ajes has been the best getting me out sooner rather than later, and you get what you paid for. Once he had a price point sheet available, comparing his rates with other stylists. His prices are in the competitive range, and has the "proof" to back his stuff up--check out his wall of work, framed articles and pictures of models he styled in various magazines (Essence, Black Hair Care, Chicago Magazine, etc.). -
Review from Miki L.
Chicago, IL
10/24/2010
I began going to Aje's almost two months ago and my experience has been great. I was previously getting my hair done at an Egyptian Salon in Oak Park which was perfect for getting in and out quickly and at a great price...but over the past few years, my hair has gotten thinner from all of the heat and pulling that was being done to straighten my naturally curly hair.
AJ has never used a blow dryer on my hair and it still turns out beautiful! His assistant Tee is wonderful. His staff is top notch and AJ knows his stuff. He is a business owner with a passion for hair as well as beauty.
During my initial visit I was treated like a queen, my hair was colored, cut, and shampooed. I liked the color, but really wanted it to be a little closer to my natural color. AJ adjusted the color and made sure I was satisfied. He has an opinion about your hair because he is an expert, but his customer care, and experience is what will keep you coming back.
I have been so pleased with the way my hair has turned out after each visit. I wish everyone could have an experience like mine...it has taken me years to find someone who understands my hair type, which is very tricky! -
Review from Sydney P.
Chicago, IL
8/26/2011
Love Love Love!
From the moment I walked in to the moment I walked out was such a great experience!
I have been looking for a stylist who knew what they were doing & cared about the overall health of your hair!
My hair was was dry & brittle & really needed some TLC. As soon as I walked in AJ knew exactly what I needed. I got a deep conditioner that turned my hair inside out. My hair was soft, shiny & bouncy!
As he began to style & cut my hair he knew exactly what to do. My cut came out perfect & I love it! I Definitely will be coming back. -
Review from Dana J.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2008
If you want your hair to feel soft and luxurious, this is the place to go! I stopped getting a relaxer several years ago and have found that it's difficult to find a stylists/salon that is able to straighten my hair without damaging and pulling it. I was pleasantly suprised with this salon for several reasons:
1. The hours are very flexible- The salon opens at 7 am on the weekends which is very convenient
2. The staff was very friendly and professional
3. My hair looked fabulous when I walked out (My stylist was Nikki)
4. The price was reasonable.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this salon. -
Review from Dana A.
6/15/2009 2 Check-ins Here
I swear by Ajes. And can testify that celebrity stylist/owner AJ Johnson is worth paying the premium. Can't lie...he'll keep a cute girl in there for a lil too long on a Saturday, but if you want, just put your foot down and let him know that today is not the day to play!
His assistant Tene is sweet as can be and always makes sure I'm comfortable. On a weekday appointment, she gets me in and out there quickly.
AJ cares about hair care as well as keeping his clients on trend. Never in my life has my hair been this healthy, bouncy and full of life. He has never used a blow dryer on my hair, and that's a great sign. The follow up maintainence products he suggests are also the best.
I recommend Ajes for all hair textures, especially ethnic hair, and for all women who want their ego stroked inside the salon...and on the street! -
Review from Tiffiny B.
Chicago, IL
9/1/2007
I wanted to try something different with my hair so I booked an appointment for a haircut at Ajes with the master stylist A.J. He didn't say much to me, just asked me what the general style I had in mind was and he got to work. He did a good job, but it wasn't anything super phenomenal. The salon is decorated really chic, and even though there were a ton of people in there, they were working really hard to get everyone out in a decent amount of time. They use really good products that seem to make a big difference. Which is what I feel a lot of African-American salons lack. I'll probably go back, but I think I'll try to go on a weekday when it isn't so busy so I can get more individual attention.
Listed in: I'm a spa and beauty product…
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Review from Ashley B.
Chicago, IL
11/2/2009
AJ is the man....my uncle referred me after a several bad experiences at other salons. . .and bbbooyyy am i elated I tired him out. He corrected my cricked cut and gave me a fabulous new color...I can finally do it myself in between visits....Ajes is definitely the business-I look like a celeb.
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Review from Amber J.
Chicago, IL
12/3/2008
Ok am new to chicago and was looking for a place to get a slight trim and straighten my natural hair for a friends birthday party. I made a same day lunch appointment, and they were very accomadating. The receptionist who took my appointment was super nice and i told her i had a limited amount of time and only wanted a blowdry / finish. When i got there AJ spent about 5 mins trimming my hair, then back to the wash bowl with his assistant, after that another assistant put rollers in my hair. At this point I was confused as i have natural hair and specifically asked to have my hair straightened out. In fairness i didn't say anything and sat under the dryer for about 45mins. After that Aj spent another 10 minutes straightening out my tightly curled hair with a flat iron. After he was done i admit it looked really great, which is why i gave him 3 stars. Like i said i am new to chicago and was expecting high prices but $90 before tip for a slight trim and flat iron seemed a little high to me. It was seemed even more high when after exiting the shop my hair promply loss most of the curl. My roots were not straight so the next day it was if i had not even got my hair done. (except for the slight trim) I did go back and try again but overall i was underwhelmed. The second time i was there for over 2hrs and human hands were in my head for a total of 20 minutes and my hair didn't look as good as the first time. My second visit was only 55 for a finish as they call it, so that means he charged me 35 dollars for a trim the first time. Maybe this is the norm for hair salons in chicago but overall i did not think it was worth it.
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Review from Em K.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2010
my biggest pet peeve is paying good money (way too much money, might i add) to have a simple request ignored. i don't care about your vision, i want what i paid for. thanks.
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Review from T J.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 11/12/2009
I just want to reiterate that this was the worst hair experience I've ever had. It is now six months later and I'm finally going in to another salon to cut off at least 1-2 inches of hair that was overstraightened, burnt and never reverted back. When I did call Ajes within days of the incident he had me come in and said there was nothing wrong with my hair but if I insisted he'd just "cut it for me, free of charge." Really? Do you think the solution to your stylists mistake is to cut my hair off? Never never again.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/9/2009
I wish I could give it zero stars. I was very excited about going in after I'd seen a friend's hair… Read more »
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Review from Ivy E.
Dolton, IL
7/17/2010
I enjoyed my experience at Ajes salon. The staff is very professional and the level of service is excellent. I have been going to Ajes since my return to Chicago in 2006 and my experience has always been great. The environment is fun and very upscale. During my visits I have seen the who's who in the Chicago scene as well as notable celebrities. My hair went from unhealthy to long lovely locks :-) The products that they use are top of the line. They also sell the product and give each client a brief training on up keep and hair care upon the purchase. AJ Johnson is not only a master stylist but a very skilled colorist. His colors are tailored to each clients hue, undertone and complexion. The color he put in my hair brought out my eyes as well as other features in my face. I will continue to go to Ajes and I recommend this salon for anyone looking for healthy hair, beautiful styles and great ambiance.
